The microwave oven: a novel means of decontaminating parasitological specimens and glassware

This study was conducted to determine the effects of microwave radiation on developmental and infective stages of Eimeria nieschulzi, Strongyloides ratti, and Taenia taeniaeformis. Fecal samples and laboratory preparations containing these three parasites were subjected to microwave radiation for brief periods in a microwave oven, and then in vitro and/or in vivo assessments of viability were made for each organism and preparation. Our results showed that microwave irradiation is extremely effective in killing or preventing development of helminth and protozoan parasites without unduly distorting eggs or developmental stages. Therefore, microwaves may prove useful for decontaminating diagnostic samples or sterilizing contaminated materials in the laboratory and thus for reducing risk to laboratory personnel from parasites of public health importance.